Gerald Ford on Immigration

President of the U.S., 1974-1977; Republican Rep. (MI)

More southern border patrol to stop heroin traffic

Q. You took your hard-line stance again on heroin traffic here in this country. What about the larger amount of heroin traffic coming across from Mexico?

A: 80 to 90% of the heroin that comes into the US today comes across from our southern
We have proposed that there be a beefing up of our total Federal law enforcement effort in this area in order to meet this challenge. Now, if we find at any point that more people are needed or more money is required to meet this problem,
I will be very, very anxious to suggest additional appropriations. But it has to be shown as a matter of need. I think based on the facts that were presented to me in November and
December of last year, when we put the budget together, that what we recommended was adequate, fully adequate. But if the circumstances prove otherwise, of course, I would recommend the additional funds, if needed